Man Of Action (Hayden Barnes) is healthier and happier with the drop in temperature in Brisbane. PHOTO: Dan Costello.
Action moves to Redcliffe on Thursday and he’s got his old bounce back, says Al
By Barry Lichter • 31 March 2021
Trainer Al Barnes heads off to Redcliffe on Thursday afternoon with Man Of Action, fully expecting the horse to start turning his form around.
Barnes only has to look at the four-year-old to know he’s ready to put an end to his nine-race streak out of the money.
“We’re really happy with him now - he was sour and dull and horrible in the coat and now he’s happy and bright and full of energy and his coat is dark.”
Man Of Action’s form fell away last December when he was tired at the end of long campaign and when Barnes brought him back in March he really struggled to cope with the very hot and humid conditions.
But with the very wet weather in Queensland has come a drop in temperature and Barnes says the horse is on the way back.
“He might have run only sixth last start but Hayden was very happy with him. He said he felt like a completely different horse and he even paced a lot better.”
Taken back from a wide draw, Man Of Action made up good ground from well back to run 22 metres behind winner Our Ridgy Didge.
With no racing at Albion Park on Good Friday, Barnes didn’t want the horse to miss a run, hence his decision to race at the turning Redcliffe saucer.
“It’s an even Redcliffe field but he should be competitive.
“We’ll give him confidence and let him run on again but I still expect him to run a real nice race and I think he can earn a decent cheque.
“But whatever he does, he will improve on and be ready to go next time.”
Man Of Action races at 6.47pm at Albion Park on Thursday.
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Nathan’s comments
Thurday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Dreams Of Eric
6.03pm
“He’s just come back from a two-week break and seems a lot better after the freshen-up. He’s training really well but this will be like a trial for him. There looks to be a lot of speed in the race so, from five, he won’t be put into the early rush. We’re still aiming him at the Harness 5000 at Ashburton in December.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Kevin Kline
4.44pm
“He was held up last week but still got home really well, hard on their backs and, with the right trip, he’ll be dangerous. But the race looks suited to a horse like Hooray Henry who, in a small field, can sit back and outsprint them.
Race 9: Tyson
8.54pm
“We were looking to sit in with him last week but it didn’t work out. He still ran on pretty well as he always does. He just needs a bit of luck.”
Race 9: Debbie Lincoln
8.54pm
“Maurice was happy with her run last week and said she paced strongly through the line. From seven on the gate this week she’ll have to go back but I think she’s better coming from off the pace. She’s a good chance if she can get sucked into it at the right time.”
